Ruger announced the release of a new SR-556 rifle chambered in 6.8 SPC.
Wow. I knew Ruger was ready to release a new product, but I believed we would be seeing the rumored SR40 pistol, not another rifle.
What I find to be very interesting about this product launch is two-fold. First, Ruger making a major product announcement for a 6.8 SPC rifle really gives this cartridge a big push into the mainstream. Secondly, Ruger has undoubtably sunk a significant portion of their money into this product meaning they believe there is a strong market for this gun.
The Ruger SR-556/6.8 SPC will ship with a five-round magazine and two 20-round magazines. The 16.12″ heavy barrel is chrome lined and has a 1:10 twist. Additionally, the barrel is threaded and outfitted with a regular SR-556 flash suppressor.
Standard equipment includes:
- Troy Industries Folding Battlesights,
- Quad Rail and rail covers
- Hogue Monogrip,
- six-position stock,
- sight adjustment tool, and
- a padded carry case.
MSRP is $1995, but ‘street’ prices are likely to be significantly less.
From Ruger:
STURM, RUGER INTRODUCES THE RUGER SR-556/6.8 PISTON-DRIVEN RIFLE CHAMBERED IN THE POWERFUL 6.8 SPC CARTRIDGE
Southport, CT: August 26, 2010 – Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE:RGR) is pleased to announce the new Ruger® SR-556/6.8, a new chambering in the popular SR-556 two-stage, piston-driven, AR-Style rifle. The new SR-556/6.8 brings the power and downrange authority of the 6.8 SPC cartridge in a two-stage piston rifle that runs cooler and cleaner than traditional gas-driven, AR-style rifles.
Packaged with one five-round magazine and two twenty-five round magazines, the SR-556/6.8 is an ideal hunting rifle for those who appreciate the versatility of the customizable and ergonomic AR-style platform. The 6.8 SPC has ample power for hunting medium-sized game, and the greater muzzle and downrange energy enhances the capability of the SR-556 in defensive or tactical roles as well.
The SR-556/6.8 retains all the features of the original SR-556® that make it an outstanding value in the AR-style rifles. The patent-pending, two-stage piston delivers a smooth power stroke to the one-piece bolt carrier, which softens recoil, aiding both shooter comfort and durability of the rifle. The four-position gas regulator allows the shooter to tune the rifle to the ammunition being fired and environmental conditions present. A chrome-lined, cold hammer forged barrel provides accuracy and longevity, Troy Industries Folding BattlesightsTM, Quad Rail and rail covers add considerable value to the package, as does the Hogue® Monogrip®, six-position stock, sight adjustment tool, and the padded carry case, all included with the SR-556/6.8.
The SR-556/6.8 maintains the mid-length gas system and the heavy (.850”) barrel contour under the handguard of the original SR-556. The 1:10 twist barrel has a standard SAAMI 6.8 SPC chambering, is 16.12” long, is threaded 5/8-24, and is capped with the effective and distinctive Mini-14/SR-556 flash suppressor. The SR-556/6.8 weights 7.75 pounds without a magazine.
For more information on the SR-556/6.8 or any of the other rifles, pistols, or revolvers offered by Ruger, please visit www.Ruger.com, or see your local firearms dealer.
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